Start: 1478
End: 1506
Today was another day of woodsy hiking, punctuated with seldom, but great, views of Mt Shasta. We were up early and on the trail in an attempt to get to Castella for our resupply boxes, and Shasta City to the B&B.
The hiking was fairly mundane and we made it to Interstate 5 just after 6pm to be picked up by 12 Ounce's uncle's cousin's partner Carla. When she picked us up, we went first to Castella, and then she asked if she was taking us to the ranch, which we assumed meant the B&B, so we said yes. When I thought of what the B&B would be like, I was picturing a small little house in downtown Shasta City with a few rooms. As we drove into the city, we passed through the main drag, and then turned left toward more open land. It soon became apparent that we were indeed headed to a ranch. We pulled up to the main house which has a huge front porch, complete with wicker furniture, coffee tables, an American flag, wind chime, telescope, and a breathtaking view of Mt Shasta. We were given a short tour and shown to our room in the Carriage House, behind the main house. My expectations were far surpassed, and I find I am constantly surprised by the generosity of strangers. If you would like to know more about it, you can check out the Mount Shasta Ranch at www.stayinshasta.com.
The proprietors, Mary and Bill, provided us with pizza and salad when we arrived, which we ate with the fanciful ales picked up at Ammirati's Market in Castella. For dessert we had some chocolate cake, and then other patrons gifted us some leftover BBQed pork tenderloin and fresh strawberries. Everything was more wonderful than I ever imagined. If you want to have your faith restored in the goodness of strangers, hike the PCT. Gotta love trail magic.
Sent from the PCT
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